Mini Labradoodle Appearance

Mini Labradoodles can vary within a single litter, and have different colors, sizes and coats. These pups will have floppy ears and either hazel or brown eyes, they have round faces and a mid-to-long muzzle with a defined end.

Mini Labradoodle Size

Even though the breed is called a Miniature Labradoodle, their height and weight can range between a Miniature Poodle and a Labrador.

The size of a Mini Poodle is around 10-15lb and it stands up to 10-15 inches.

The Labrador can weigh around 55-80lb and it stands up to around 23 inches.

Depending on genetics and environmental factors, the Mini Labradoodle can weigh anywhere between 20-50lb and stands between 12-20 inches.

Is A Mini Labradoodle A Good Family Dog?

Training Guide

This cross breed is very smart – they are easy to train but will need a consistent trainer who won’t give up too easily.

Mini Labradoodles will respond best to positive reinforcement. So give them treats and praise when they follow your command, or when they stop an unwanted behavior.

Avoid using punishment as this can lead to more unwanted behaviors, like aggression. It can also cause your dog to continue the behavior as they are getting a lot of attention from you, which is what they want.

Training from an early age is vital, as they pick up more behavioral habits when they are around 6 months old. So it’s best to teach them training commands and routines around this age.

Socialization is also important for this breed (as the Poodle can be a little bit shy). You should make sure your Mini Labradoodle is confident around strangers by making introductions to other people a positive experience.

Introduce them to new dogs, people, and places. Make sure they know it’s a good thing by giving them encouragement, treats and praise.

As Mini Labradoodles can get bored pretty quickly, you should keep their mind occupied with toys and games. Since retrieving things is in their DNA, you can play fetch with them till their hearts content.

Caring for a Mini Labradoodle

The Mini Labradoodle needs a house with a big fenced backyard, so they can run and play games.

Even though this cross breed is miniature, they are still very energetic. They will bounce off the walls if not given the proper amount of exercise and play each day.

Their type of coat will impact how much grooming is needed.

Exercise Requirements

Mini Labradoodles will need lots of exercise and activity to burn off their energy.

They need at least 60 minutes of activity each day. This can be by taking long walks or jogging.

Labradoodles are natural swimmers so you could take them swimming to burn off some of their energy. You can also take them to local dog parks, where they can socialize with other dogs and people. Keep your Labradoodle on a leash until you are completely confident they will return to you.

Grooming and Shedding

The Mini Labradoodle can inherit 3 types of coats: a wooly coat, a fleece coat or a straight and wavy coat.

If they inherit the Poodle coat, shedding won’t be too much of a problem, whereas the Labrador-like coat will shed often.

The Labrador coat will need to be brushed twice a week when shedding. The Poodle type coat needs more brushing (they are more high maintenance and can get dirty quickly).

The longer their coat is the more chance it will become matted and tangled, so regular brushing is needed.

Feeding and Diet

If they weigh around 15lb, they will need around 1 cup of kibble a day.

If they weigh around 30lb they will need around 2 cups a day.

Divide their food into 2 equal meals, one in the morning and one in the evening.

Dry food will also be fine, just make sure to read the label and feed your pooch the right type of dry food.

Find a brand that has high-quality natural dry food with good nutritional (protein, dietary fats, vitamins and minerals).

You could also add fruit and veg to your dog’s meal, as it gives them the minerals and vitamins that might be missing from their kibble.

Known Health Problems

The Mini Labradoodle has more genetic variance than purebreds, which means they are less likely to inherit genetic disorders.

However, this does not mean they are immune. There are genetic disorders that both the Labrador and Poodle can carry that can pass down to their offspring.

Some health issues include:

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: This is most common in Labradors, and is caused by malformation of the joints, causing arthritis and lameness.

Gastric Torsion: Commonly known as bloat, this is where the stomach becomes twisted and air is trapped. To avoid bloat, don’t exercise your dog immediately after they have eaten and let them eat out of their bowl on the ground.

Eye Disorders: Common in Poodles, some include Progressive Retinal Atrophy and Cataracts.

Addison’s Disease: This is more prevalent in Poodles, and is caused by a lack of adrenal hormones, causing lethargy, poor appetite and gastrointestinal issues.

Hypothyroidism: This is the underproduction of hormones by the thyroid gland, causing rapid change in weight and lethargy.

How Long Does A Mini Labradoodle Live?

A healthy Mini Labradoodle will live between 10-18 years.

Quick Breed Summary Table

Breed Characteristics

Size:

12-20 inches.

Weight:

20-50lb.

Lifespan:

10-18 years

Coat:

Wooly with tight curls, fleece coats that are free-flowing, or straight and wavy.

Color:

Cream, black, red, sable, blue, silver and brindle.

Do They Shed:

Low-moderate, depending on the coat type.

Temperament:

Playful, affectionate, gentle and sweet.

Intelligence:

Very smart.

Socialization:

Good with other dogs and pets.

Destructive Behavior:

Will chew when bored, lonely or frustrated.

People Skills:

Can be shy around strangers.

Good with Children:

Great with kids.

Activity Levels:

Very energetic, around 60 minutes of activity a day is needed.

Summary

Do you enjoy long walks on the beach and love a goofy smile? Then the Mini Labradoodle could be the perfect dog for you!

Thomas has been a dog lover since he was 6 years old when his parents got him a rescue Labrador. Since then his love for dogs has lead him to study Animal Behavior & Welfare. He now keeps a six year old English Bullmastiff and educates pet parents through his online publication Perfect Dog Breeds.

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